He knows that a lot of fans are angry about the latest roster blowup, that they’ve endured losing seasons for most of the team’s existence, that they’re skeptical that this rebuild really will work.

Brinson, 23, knows because he was a Marlins fan — and, now, is again a Marlins fan in addition to their potential Opening Day center fielder.

And he’s “super excited” to be a part of it.

“I can’t wait to bring this organization back to where it once was,” Brinson said on a teleconference with local reporters Friday. “I’m really excited to be a part of that in the future, and I think our future is pretty bright.

“I think the fans have a lot to be excited for. Obviously they’re hurt, but I think they’re going to be surprised to see what we have to offer.”

Here is a closer look at those minor leaguers, including Coral Springs’ Lewis Brinson.

“We felt like we added impactful, championship-caliber...

(Tim Healey)

Brinson was 9 when the Marlins won the 2003 World Series. He can rattle off the names of some of that squad’s stars like he’s reading a roster: Pudge Rodriguez, Derrek Lee, Jeff Conine, Juan Encarnacion.

Brinson hopes to wear No. 9 for the Marlins like Pierre did. That jersey number is available after the trade of Dee Gordon, who wore it the past three seasons.

“He was my guy back then,” said Brinson, who spends his offseasons in South Florida. “I tell people all the time, if I get a chance to meet him — I don’t really get star struck that often, but if I got to meet Juan Pierre, a guy I grew up watching and idolizing, that would be a big deal for me.”

Before wearing that number for Miami, Brinson will have to win a spot on the major league roster. President of baseball operations Michael Hill said he will be afforded the opportunity to do so in spring training, and Brinson said he “absolutely” feels ready to be an everyday big leaguer.

“I think I’m more than ready to take over that spot if the Marlins see fit,” he said. “Hopefully they do. I plan on showing them in spring I’m ready to take over that spot and contribute to the team right away.”

Working to his advantage, Brinson hopes, are the lessons he learned during two brief stints in the majors with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017.

The first didn’t go well. He went 3 for 31 (.097) with a .200 OBP and .161 slugging percentage. He struck out 13 times in 14 games in June. Brinson said the game sped up on him, as it sometimes does for rookies.

The Marlins announced Friday their 2018 minor league coaching staffs, and all seven affiliates...

In an offseason of change for the Miami Marlins — from ownership to the major league roster to, perhaps, signature outfield features — one area has remained remarkably consistent: minor league managers.

The Marlins announced Friday their 2018 minor league coaching staffs, and all seven affiliates...

(Tim Healey)

“You get nervous. That’s expected,” Brinson said. “You can try to do too much. You get up there and you try to impress right away.”

The second stretch, seven games in July and August, was a little better. He had a .125/.300/.500 slash line, plus two homers and as many walks as strikeouts (four).

“Once I came up the second time, just told myself to have fun and treat it like a regular game, which it is,” Brinson said. “Not to put much too much pressure on myself. I think this year it’ll be a lot easier for me to make adjustments quick and go out there and play my game.”

With above-average power, speed and defensive abilities, Brinson is a more well-rounded player than Pierre, his childhood idol, even if they share a position.

He’s looking forward to proving himself at the next level — the highest level.

“In Triple A, the competition is good, but it’s not the big leagues obviously,” Brinson said. “There’s not a third deck, there’s not cameras, there’s not [the bright] lights. It’s The Show. They call it The Show for a reason.”

Outfielder Cameron Maybin signed a one-year deal Wednesday with the Marlins, the team he spent the 2008-10 seasons with, and will compete for a spot in the Opening Day lineup. "We haven't had a lot of talk [about playing time]," he said. "Today is my first day. I'm going to play everywhere, going to get some work in in right [field]. But I'm just here to try to help out, try to help lead these guys in the right direction, and create a culture of togetherness."

Outfielder Cameron Maybin signed a one-year deal Wednesday with the Marlins, the team he spent the 2008-10 seasons with, and will compete for a spot in the Opening Day lineup. "We haven't had a lot of talk [about playing time]," he said. "Today is my first day. I'm going to play everywhere, going to get some work in in right [field]. But I'm just here to try to help out, try to help lead these guys in the right direction, and create a culture of togetherness."

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Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly discusses what it's like to coach second-generation pro baseball players. The Marlins have two in spring training: first baseman/outfielder Scott Van Slyke and catcher Chad Wallach, whose fathers both played in the majors.

Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly discusses what it's like to coach second-generation pro baseball players. The Marlins have two in spring training: first baseman/outfielder Scott Van Slyke and catcher Chad Wallach, whose fathers both played in the majors.

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Miami Marlins chairman and principal owner Bruce Sherman made his second public appearnce since his group of investors bought the team at the end of last season, speaking to reporters and the team Monday at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium where the Marlins had their first full-squad workout of spring training.

Miami Marlins chairman and principal owner Bruce Sherman made his second public appearnce since his group of investors bought the team at the end of last season, speaking to reporters and the team Monday at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium where the Marlins had their first full-squad workout of spring training.

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Marlins manager Don Mattingly has many decisions to make as he prepares for the first full-squad workout on Monday.

Marlins manager Don Mattingly has many decisions to make as he prepares for the first full-squad workout on Monday.